Matters of the Heart

Last week I had my monthly visit with my mid-wife. I was 17 weeks. Everything has been going fine with this pregnancy - morning sickness is nearly gone, I started walking again, bump is growing, but not too quickly, weight steady (no gain, no pain) :)

Then it happened. My midwife had me lay down, slimed my belly with ultrasound gel, and began the search for the wonderful sound of little one's heartbeat. Only she couldn't find it. 15 minutes of prodding and searching and nothing. It is an understatement to say that I was freaking out. Where the heck could s/he be? It's not like there's a lot of room to hide. Another 5 minutes of trying after having me get up and walk around to try to move the baby. Still nothing.

Since my uterus was the right size, and there were no other indications of something wrong, she sent me home to "not worry." I have a 3D ultrasound scheduled in a couple weeks and we will find out then.

What, me worry?

I prayed and asked God for the faith and patience to wait and trust Him. I believe in the power of the body and blood of Jesus and have been partaking in Communion throughout this pregnancy. The life is in the blood. Rest in Him.

But, thankfully, my friend mentioned the situation to her doctor (she is due one day after me!) and her doctor generously offered to do an ultrasound/doppler on me for free. I have never heard of such an offer and I couldn't pass it up.

So, yesterday afternoon I walked into the doctor's office and waited for her to have an opening to spare a couple minutes to put my mind at ease. Praise God, the baby's heart was beating strong and I got to hear it for a very precious few seconds. There's no sound more beautiful to an expectant mommy's ears. :)

Hopefully this baby will stop giving me such grief and let me enjoy the rest of my pregnancy (hint, hint). I can't wait to see him/her at the ultrasound appointment!